b'WHY SHOULD MY CHILD GO TO CAMP?By Helene Abrams | ContributorSummer camp can be one of the most rewarding, unforgettableTO FACE CHALLENGES & LEARN THE VALUE OF HARD experiencesinachildslife.CampprovideschildrenwithaWORKcommunity of caring mentors who provide experiential educationBecause they feel safe at camp, children are comfortable taking thatleadstoself-respectandappreciationforlife.Allofthehealthy risks, setting personal goals and realizing their dreams. outcomesfriendships, overcoming challenges, staying healthy,Atcamp,childrenlearntheimportanceofworkinghardto and building character prepare them for bigger, brighter livesaccomplish what they want and to never give up, all in a low-stress down the road. In addition to great friendships and enduringsetting.memories, many important life skills are learned at camp.TO FOSTER INDEPENDENCETO TRY NEW THINGS At camp, children learn the responsibility of making their own Camp pushes children out of their comfort zone and exposes themdecisions with the safety net of insightful counselors and staff in a to new activities and experiences that they may not be familiarsafe environment. Campers can risk finding out what works and with. Campers get the opportunity to try out different things andwhat doesnt, while discovering new facets of themselves. discover new hobbies or passions. The main goal of any well-run camp program is making sure TO DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS children have the time of their lives. Summer camp is a much Camp teaches children to communicate, to work together as partneeded break from the academic year where creativity, adventure, of a team and to be a leader. Leadership is developed by askingthrills, smiles, and plain old good times are the priority. Camp is campers to fulfill responsibilities that may not be expected ofnot just a place to spend your summer, its a deep connection with themelsewhere,whilesharingresourcesandattentionhelpsothers, becoming part of a supportive community. Something you foster teamwork and the desire to participate.will hold in your heart forever.Editors Note: Helene Abrams is a camp expert with Tips on Trips and Camps. Reach her at helene@tipsontripsandcamps.com.42GoodLifeFamilyMag.comJANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020'